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  • Fibroblast Growth Factor Signalling in Development, Health & Disease Conference
Past Conference

Fibroblast Growth Factor Signalling in Development, Health & Disease Conference

A Perspective on Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Biology

Date

07 May - 10 May 2026

Location

St. Julian's, Malta

  • Chiara Francavilla

    Technical University of Denmark / University of Manchester

  • Xin Zhang

    Columbia University

  • Richard Grose

    Queen Mary University of London

  • Athina-Myrto Chioni

    Kingston University

  • Xiaokun Li

    Wenzhou Medical University

Early Bird - Expired  •  Talk Submission - Expired  •  Poster Submission - Expired  •  Registration & Payment Deadline - Expired

Synopsis

Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) are cell-surface receptors that, upon ligand binding, regulate cell-to-cell communication during embryonic development and in adult life. Among RTKs, the twenty-two Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs) and five FGF Receptors play crucial roles in proliferation, migration, differentiation, and metabolism. Aberrant FGF signalling underlies genetic and metabolic disorders, age-related diseases, and cancer. Advances in structural biology, omics technologies, and disease models as well as very promising clinical trials have greatly facilitated our understanding of FGF functions. However, many outstanding questions remain unanswered, including how FGFs interact with other signaling pathways to regulate the specificity of cellular responses in development, health, and disease.

Conference Goals:

  1. Bring together leaders in academia, clinical medicine, and industry with an interest in FGF and other signalling pathways to foster synergistic collaborations.
  2. Promote cross-fertilization of new ideas on how RTK signalling regulates pathophysiology.
  3. Share innovations that are impacting basic and translational signalling research.

Key Sessions

  • Frontiers in FGF Signalling Regulation
  • New Technologies to Study Cell Signalling
  • FGF Signalling in Development and Adult Homeostasis
  • Signalling Underlying FGF-driven Genetic and Age-related Diseases
  • FGF Signalling in Tissue Regeneration and Stem Cells
  • FGF Signalling in Metabolic Diseases
  • Molecular Mechanisms of FGF Signalling in Cancer
  • Targeting the FGF-FGFR Axis in Translational Research 
  • Past, Present and Future of Cell Signalling

Confirmed Invited Speakers

Saverio Bellusci (Justus Liebig University, Giessen)
Pier Paolo Di Fiore (University of Milan)
Sandra Goetze (ETH Zürich)
Ge Guo (University of Exeter)
Mohammad K Hajihosseini (University of East Anglia)
Zhifeng Huang (Wenzhou Medical Institute)
Marja Hurley (University of Connecticut)
Jos Jonkers (Netherlands Cancer Institute)
C-TERMINAL CONTROL OF FGFR2 AND FGFR3 ONCOGENICITY
John Ladbury (University of Leeds)
ROLE OF LIQUID-LIQUID PHASE SEPARATION IN FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR RECEPTOR SIGNALLING
Laurence Legeai-Mallet (INSERM)
Amy Merril-Brugger (University of Southern California)
Moosa Mohammadi (Wenzhou Medical Institute)
David Ornitz (Washington University)
Olivier Pertz (University of Bern)
Sougata Roy (University of Maryland)
DIRECTED GROWTH FACTOR RELEASE: ENZYMATIC CONTROL OF CYTONEME-MEDIATED FGF COMMUNICATION
Maria Sibilia (University of Vienna)
Jarrad Scarlett (Seattle Children’s Hospital/University of Washington)
Jacqueline Starrett (Tyra Biosciences)
Abigail Tucker (King’s College, London)
THE ROLE OF FGFS IN PATTERNING THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DURING DEVELOPMENT
Elizabeth Wellberg (University of Oklahoma)
Sabine Werner (ETH Zürich)
FGF RECEPTOR SIGNALING IN TISSUE INJURY AND REPAIR - A 30-YEAR JOURNAL
Jin-San Zhang (Wenzhou Medical University)

Target Audience

This meeting will unite established investigators, colleagues new to the field, and early career scientists to discuss game-changing mechanistic and translational advances in cell signalling with the goal of understanding its regulatory mechanisms and devising new therapeutic tools.

Confirmed Speakers

Chairs
Chiara Francavilla

Chiara Francavilla

Technical University of Denmark / University of Manchester

Xin Zhang

Xin Zhang

Columbia University

Richard Grose

Richard Grose

Queen Mary University of London

Athina-Myrto Chioni

Athina-Myrto Chioni

Kingston University

Xiaokun Li

Xiaokun Li

Wenzhou Medical University

Invited Speakers
Saverio Bellusci

Saverio Bellusci

Justus Liebig University, Giessen

Pier Paolo Di Fiore

Pier Paolo Di Fiore

University of Milan

Sandra Goetze

Sandra Goetze

ETH Zürich

Ge Guo

Ge Guo

University of Exeter

Mohammad K Hajihosseini

Mohammad K Hajihosseini

University of East Anglia

Zhifeng Huang

Zhifeng Huang

Wenzhou Medical Institute

Marja Hurley

Marja Hurley

University of Connecticut

Jos Jonkers

Jos Jonkers

Netherlands Cancer Institute

John Ladbury

John Ladbury

University of Leeds

Laurence Legeai-Mallet

Laurence Legeai-Mallet

INSERM

Amy Merril-Brugger

Amy Merril-Brugger

University of Southern California

Moosa Mohammadi

Moosa Mohammadi

Wenzhou Medical Institute

David Ornitz

David Ornitz

Washington University

Olivier Pertz

Olivier Pertz

University of Bern

Sougata Roy

Sougata Roy

University of Maryland

Maria Sabilia

Maria Sabilia

University of Vienna

Jarrad Scarlett

Jarrad Scarlett

Seattle Children’s Hospital/University of Washington

Jacqueline Starrett

Jacqueline Starrett

Tyra Biosciences

Abigail Tucker

Abigail Tucker

King’s College, London

Elizabeth Wellberg

Elizabeth Wellberg

University of Oklahoma

Sabine Werner

Sabine Werner

ETH Zürich

Jin-San Zhang

Jin-San Zhang

Wenzhou Medical University

Programme

Please note the below programme is an initial draft and is subject to change - the latest version will always be uploaded here, so check in later for any updates. 

Grants

We are pleased to announce we have a limited amount of €1200 registration grants available to help defray the meeting costs for those in junior faculty (within 3 years of your post-graduate position).

Grants can be applied to either a 'Single' or 'Shared' registration ticket. To apply, please email Megan. Your application should include:
•    Name
•    Organisation
•    Career level and proof of status
•    Abstract for consideration for a talk or poster
•    100-word motivation summary explaining why you wish to present at the conference 

Please structure your application into one document, starting with the above application criteria, followed by your abstract. 

Deadline for grant applications: 06 November 2025. Successful applicants will be informed shortly following the deadline
 

Networking Opportunities

Networking is at the heart of any Fusion conference, and we're delighted to offer several networking events and opportunities across our four day programme. Check out the options below for ways expand your career horizons, build your networking circle!

Networking Breakfast, exclusively with the chairs: 

Date: Wednesday 11th November 2026
Time: 08:00 – 09:00

Limited to just seven students.

In a small, informal breakfast setting, attendees will have the unique chance to connect directly with you, engage in open conversations about career progression, gain insight into key processes, and hear firsthand about your scientific journeys and experiences.

Sign up Process:

Felicity will contact all speakers to request nominations of new ECRs. I will then personally invite these individuals, presenting this as an exclusive opportunity to meet with you over breakfast, highlighting that they were recommended by our IMMA speakers. This approach is intended to encourage approximately seven new registrations by offering them this tailored opportunity.

Student Research Review (1:1 Session): 

Date: Thursday 12th November 2026
Time: 10:15 – 11:00

An exclusive 1:1 session with a leading PI’s in the field. An exciting opportunity to dive into their research, exchange ideas, and gain tailored feedback. This dedicated time offers valuable insights, expert advice, and fresh perspectives to help shape ECR’s next steps and accelerate the progress of your work. Could potentially lead to collaboration opportunities as well. 

Sign up Process: Students will submit an abstract for which they would like to receive 1:1 feedback, along with up to three preferred speakers they would be interested in meeting. As chairs, you will review these applications and select those most suitable for a 1:1 session. You will then match each selected student with a speaker whose expertise best aligns with their work, ensuring the opportunity for meaningful, high-quality feedback.

ECR Networking Lunch:

Date: Thursday 12th November 2026
Time: 12:45 - 14:45

An exciting opportunity for early career researchers to come together and explore career progression, processes, and speakers’ own experiences in science. Each table will be hosted by two invited speakers, creating a dynamic and engaging space for meaningful discussion, insight-sharing, and networking. The number of tables will be tailored to the level of ECR participation, ensuring an interactive and impactful experience for everyone involved.

Sign up Process: Sign ups for the lunch will take place via email. Early career researchers will be invited to select and sign up for their preferred table in advance of the event. Places at each table are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure fairness. Once a table reaches capacity, it will be closed for further sign ups, and participants will be encouraged to choose from the remaining available tables. This approach helps ensure balanced group sizes. 
 

Supported by

Diamond Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Media Partners

Interested in sponsoring this conference?

Contact us

Venue & Location

Hilton Malta

We are excited to be heading back to St. Julian’s as our Mediterranean destination for May 2026! 

Located only 15 minutes from the ancient capital city of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hilton Malta is an oceanfront resort overlooking the stunning Portomaso Marina in St. Julian’s. With modern amenities, scenic views, and a tranquil atmosphere, it offers the perfect balance between professional functionality and easy access to local culture and history. 

This is not an all-inclusive property, but our registration packages include a full food and beverage package during the conference period. Breakfast remains at leisure, however, the more intimate hotel setting allows us to host group lunches and dinners, providing an ideal environment for focused discussions, so attendees can continue to network and brainstorm outside of planned sessions. 

For those who wish to stay extra nights either side of the conference, rates will be bed and breakfast only, so attendees have the freedom to explore local dining experiences and authentic cuisine. 

Hotel facilities include;
•    Complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms and throughout hotel and conference areas
•    4 Seasonal Outdoor Pools
•    Spa with Indoor Swimming Pool
•    Fitness Center and Tennis Court
•    3 Restaurants
•    2 Bars

  • Fibroblast Growth Factor Signalling in Development, Health & Disease Conference

General Information

Conference Currency

Euro (EUR)

Address

Vjal Portomaso St Julian's PTM, 01, Malta

Nearest Airport

Malta International Airport

Location

The Hilton Malta overlooks the stunning Portomaso Marina in St. Julian’s. This beautiful hotel is located only 15 minutes from the ancient capital city of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Diamond Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Media Partners

If you're interested in sponsoring this conference please contact us.

Conference Manager

Megan Docwra

Need some help? Chat to the Fusion team today

As a family run business, our dedication runs deep. We’re committed to each other and, even more so, to every attendee’s experience, delivering a level of care and passion that’s truly unmatched.

Call us

+44 (0) 1638 555057

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